ImagineIT​Phase 4

Thoughts on possible problems that might arise while teaching my chemistry class as a language class. Inspired by reading "What Should I Do?" a book that confronts dilemmas common to teachers working in urban schools, by Anna Ershler Richert.

​My most important take away from Ms. Richert’s book was that the more you know about a student’s life outside of class, the more effective your teaching can be. While the stories she shared of her students’ struggles were more challenging than most of what my students deal with on a daily basis, they reminded to me to look at the whole picture when trying to design a curriculum that supports students socially and emotionally, not just academically.

After reflecting on my life at a huge, high-performing, urban high school, I’ve identified lack of sleep, stress and time management as the number one issue that almost all students (and teachers) struggle with on a regular basis. This was part of the genesis for the major project I hope to implement, a mobile game that helps student master the tedious, but vitally important low level skills and vocabulary that allow for a more interesting, higher level discussion of the fascinating parts of chemistry that help explain the world around us. Students can play this game on the bus or while stuck waiting in line, instead of using precious after school time at home to memorize their ions.​Ironically enough, trying to save my students from stress was causing me serious stress! Thank goodness, I reached out to a friend of mine who teaches computer science at school and he’s been incredibly helpful in the initial design process for my game. I am hopeful that with his help, I’ll be able to deliver a game to my students in a month or two. Below is a screen shot of some of our initial spread sheet work that will soon become the nuts and bolts of the game.